Tape dispenser



Nov. 3, 1953 T. R. PRICE ET AL 2,657,926

TAPE DISPENSER Filed March 11, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet l THEODORE 12. PRICERAYMOND L. BROWN 1953 h T. R. PRICE ET AL 2,657,926

TAPE DISPENSER Filed March 11, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS. THEODORER. PRICE RAYMOND L. BROWN ATTORNEY MW 3, 1953 T. R. PRICE ET AL TAPE.DISPENSER 3 Sheets-$heet 3 Filed March 11. 1948 INVENTORS THEODORE R.PRICE Y RAYMOND L. BROWN M ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 3, 1 953 TAPE DISPENSER Theodore R. Price, Old Greenwich,and Raymond L. Brown, Noroton Heights, Conn., assignors to ElectroluxCorporation, Old Greenwich, Conn., a corporation of Delaware ApplicationMarch 11, 1948, Serial No. 14,298

7 Claims.

Our invention relates to tape dispensing devices and is generallyapplicable for the production of widely differing lengths and types oftape segments. It may be used with a permanently tacky pressuresensitive adhesive tape, that is a momentarily adherent type, or it maybe used with a dry tape. It is herein described more particularly asspecifically applicable for the obtainment of predetermined sectionallengths of rolled or otherwise packaged pressure adhesive or similarlypressure responsive insulating tape.

Heretofore considerable diificulty has been experienced in the handlingof short segments of tape, especially when the adhesive surfacenecessitated contact with the operators fingers. Where adhesive and/orinsulating tape required cutting as a step in unit assembly operations,considerable delay and undesirable work stoppage frequently resultedwhere continuous assembly line or work movement depended upon a readilyavailable and/or conveniently obtainable supply of tape sections.

It is a major object of this invention to provide a simple unitaryinstrument operable to dispense predetermined lengths of adhesive orcharacteristically similar tape.

It is a further object of this invention to provide means for effectinga speedier operation of an assembly line wherein such tape sections areused for binding purposes in induction coils, electric motor unit coilstructures, and similar small compact units.

Among the various other objects of this invention, it is apparent uponfurther consideration of the drawings illustrating one embodiment and inview of the following description, that it provides a simple, unitarydevice having a maximum of control while utilizing a minimum of readilyavailable and easily fabricated parts, which device an inexperiencedoperator can readily learn to control without necessitating undue skillor care.

Another object is to provide means for reducing the number of imperfectsections and ourtailing waste in cutting operations.

Another object is to provide an instrument of the type set forth whichwill be simple, eificient, easily applied and easily moved from place toplace where needed and which is readily adjusted.

Still another object is to improve safety conditions for operators whereexposed knife or serrated edges were formerly used to cut tape segments.

A further object is to provide automatic means 2 for supplying exactlymeasured and uniformly cut segments of tape.

Further objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent andwill be suggested upon considering the following specification,particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings forminga part thereof and where- Fig. 1 is a side view illustrating oneembodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the device shown in Fig. 1 taken from the lefthand side thereof;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view, with parts broken away, of the reverseside of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 is a wiring diagram of the component part illustrating theelectrical circuit and switching controls for the apparatus shown inFigs. 1, 2 and 3.

Referring more particularly to the drawings where similar elements arecorrespondingly numbered in each of the figures, base I I has mountedthereon a table [2 which has aflixed thereto a pair of tape rollsupporting arms 13, the free ends of which are bifurcated, that isprovided with U-shaped openings, as at M in which tape axle I5 ismounted for holding tape roll Is free for rotation. I

The free end of tape from roll [6 is unwound to lie fiat on table top I2as shown at H, the adhesive surface facing away from, and the smoothsurface being contiguous with, the fiat table top. The tape is heldfirmly against the table top by the sharp end of feeding finger ordetent 2i) hinged at 2| between lever arms 22 and 32 which in turn arepivoted at 23 and 33, respectively, to the opposite sides of table I2.Lever arms 22 and 32 are actuated by the piston rod 30 of air cylinder3| through link members 24 and 34 fulcrumed at 25 and 35 to therespective lever arms and actuated by means of pin 26 which is adaptedto ride in the collar or groove 21 of lock nut 23 threaded to the end ofpiston rod 30.

Thus, upon the actuation of air cylinder 31, piston rod 30 in itsforward and backward reciprocating strokes is adapted to rock lever arms22 and 32 whereupon tape H is progressively fed along the top of table12. This movement may be effected as above described or through othersuitable actuating means.

Where a heavy base tape is used, little or no trouble is experiencedwith buckling of tape I? as it is advanced or pushed over the top oftable l2; however, with thinner tapes some means for keeping the tapeflat and in continuous contact with the supporting table top isnecessary for practical and consistent operation, particularly whenrelatively uniform and precisely measured tape lengths are desired. Forthis purpose a tubular jet 40 is provided and as illustrated is mountedon and moves together with the top of lever arms 22 and 32. A flexiblerubber connection (not shown) connects it to an air source. With thismodification, jet of air II is directed against the advancing tape I1and keeps the latter flat against the table top; this facilitates itsinsertion and progressive travel between the uprights 50 of the tapecutting member described below in considerable detail.

The tape'cutting means includes the upright members 50 mounted at thefront end of the table I2 as shown in Fig. 2. It also includes a tabletop extension piece 5| aflixed to thetable I2 to which a cutting knife52 is fulcrumed at 53. With this type of cutting device the tape passesbetween knife edge 54 and the cutting edge 55 of the table top extensionpiece 5I, whereupon it is cut squarely and cleanly. Lug. 56 of knife 52is free to slide in a groove formed in extension piece 5| and thusmaintains both cutting edges in fixed orientation and in correct cuttingalignment throughout their sliding contact, thus assuring perfectlyclean cut tape edges.

Link member 51 connects the free end of knife blade 52 with the plunger50 of solenoid 59, energization of which effects the tape cutting step.Accessory devices such as safety guard 30 are provided for theprotection of the operator; a small slit opening being formed in theguard 60 through which the severed pieces of tape emerge.

In order to hold the tape II- against retraction upon the return strokeof feeding finger or detent 20, especially when a relatively thin orlight tape is used, a gravity or spring pressed finger I0 is loweredagainst and rests on top of tape I1 and releasably holds the latteragainst the table top extension I. Finger I0 is slidably mounted inguide member II and is lifted or released from contact with the top bythe plunger I2 of solenoid 13 when the latter is energized.

In the illustrative embodiment of the tape cutting device shown indetail in the drawings, the device is actuated intermittently by theoperation of an air cylinder 3I together with cooperating electricalcontrol circuits and microswitches. The cycle of operations is startedby depressing a foot switch II4, Fig. 4. However, it is to be understoodthat various other equivalent electrical and mechanical means maylikewise be used to effect the cycle of operational steps, Referring toFig. 4 where a wiring diagram is symbolically shown, manifestly, theunit is conditioned for operation upon connecting terminals I00 and INto a 110 volt power source. In the position of the associated elementsshown in Fig. l a circuit is then completed for the energization ofsolenoid I3 for lifting and releasing holding finger I0 which, beforethe energization of solenoid 13 serves to hold tape l'l againstretraction across the top of table I2. The circuit for the energizationof solenoid I3 is shown as completed through line IOI, normally closedmicroswitch I02 and line I03 to solenoid 13, then line I04,- microswitchI05 which is normally open, but which is held closed by pin 39 (Fig. 3)when arm 32 is in retracted position, and thence through'lines I06v andI01 to power source I00.

The tape feeding circuit shown in Fig. 4 is. operated by depressing afoot switch I. This arrangement leaves the operators hands relativelyfree for further processing or handling of the sectioned tape.

In the embodiment illustrated, a transformer H0 is shown connected tothe volt mains through leads III and I I2. An 8 volt secondary is usedmerely because the air valve electrical controls are more readilyavailable as 8 volt units, completely assembled. The secondary circuitis completed from the transformer, that is, the 8 volt winding, throughconnecting line II3, foot switch II4, line II5, air plunger forwarddrive switching coil H6, and line III back to the secondary of thetransformer IIO. Closing switch II4 results in the energization of coilIl6 which in turn operates a plunger to open a valve whereuponcompressed air is admitted into cylinder 3I and piston rod 30 is drivento the right (Fig. i). This results in the tape feeding or tapeadvancing step during which lever arms 22 and 32 are rocked forward anddetent or tape feeding finger 20 attached thereto is coincidently drivenforward to feed a predetermined length of tape I! under the knife edge54. During this tape feeding step, tape holding finger 10 (Fig. 1) isheld in raised position, even though the circuit through microswitch I05is opened as a result of forward movement of arm 32, by the closing of amicroswitch I30 in a shunt circuit around the opened microswitch I05,microswitch I30 being closed by upward movement of the plunger I2 ofsolenoid "I3. This shunt circuit is completed through lines I3I and I32to maintain solenoid I3 in energized condition.

At the end of the tape feeding stroke which moves tape advancing detent20 to its forward limit, link 24 strikes and opens microswitch I02 inthe circuit of solenoid I3, whereupon the latter is deenergized and tapeholding finger I0 is released and holds tape strip II against retractionby the return motion of finger 20 across the top of tape I'I.Simultaneously, link 34 (Fig. 3) on the other side of table I2 closes acircuit for the return stroke of piston rod 30 through contact withmicroswitch I20 and a circuit completed through lines I2I', I22, airplunger return drive switching coil I23 and line I ll. Completion ofthis circuit results in energization of solenoid coil I23 which in turnoperates a plunger to open a valve whereupon compressed air is admittedinto cylinder 3| in such a direction that piston rod 30 is driven to theleft (Fig. 1). This returns tape feeding finger 20 to its originalposition, as shown in Fig. 1.

The return swing of lever 22 closes a circuit through microswitch I40 toenergize solenoid 59. This circuit is completed through line I0I, switchI40, line I4I, solenoid 59 and line I42 to the 110 volt supply circuit.Switch M0 is closed momentarily while detent 29 overrides therollcontact of this switch, which is released upon completion of thereturn stroke. Stop 42 temporarily holds detent 29 until the moreacutely cut cam face of detent 28 overrides the microswitch contactroller. The energization of solenoid 59 effects the cutting operation ofknife 54 through the actuation of an associated plunger and a mechanicallink connection 51 previously described. On the forward stroke of arm22, detent 29 rides over the roller of switch I40 without closing theswitch.

The return of lever 22, which is rigidly attached to and moves togetherwith lever 32' (Fig.

3) closes microswitch I05 through contact screw "to complete once againa circuit previously described to raise tape holding finger 10. Thisconditions the apparatus for repetition of the tape feeding and cuttingcycle upon merely closing foot switch H4.

In many cases, especially when a relatively stiff tape is being used,the use of air jet 4|, Fig. l, is unnecessary, particularly when thetape itself has sufiicient rigidity or body to push itself along thetable top l2 without buckling along its length. However, when anextremely thin tape is to be sectioned into predetermined lengths, acontinuous blast of air greatly facilitates the progress of the stripthrough and over the knife edge portion of the tape dispenser.

The length of the tape dispensed can be readily controlled by changingthe position of threaded stop member 650 which is locked in place by nutl5]. With each change, microswitches I02 and I20 must be correspondinglyshifted for actuation at the end of each forward stroke. The extent oftravel of the retraction stroke and hence the length of the tapedispensed may be determined similarly by adjusting threaded stop memberI66 which is locked in place by nut l6l.

Although the apparatus has been described as operated by compressed airactuation devices and cooperating electromagnetic holding, cutting andswitching devices, it is to be understood that with slight modificationsthe apparatus may be variously otherwise embodied with the aid of anordinary skilled mechanic.

While the invention is herein described and illustrated with respect tostructural detail, it is obvious that the invention is broadlyapplicable and numerous changes and modifications and resort may be madeto the full use of equivalents without departing from the spirit orscope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A tape dispensing device comprising means for holding a supply oftape, a supporting surface for the tape, tape advancing means resting onone surface of the tape and adapt-ed when moved in a forward directionto advance the tape a predetermined amount across the supporting surfaceand when moved in a rearward direction to ride freely over the tape,means operative for reciprocating said tape advancing means through onecycle comprising a forward and a rearward direction of movement, meansfor initiating the operation of said last mentioned means, and airpressure means for forcing the tape in close contiguity with saidsupporting surface.

2. A tape dispensing device comprising means for holding a supply oftape, a supporting surface for the tape, tape advancing means resting onone surface of the tape and adapted when moved in a forward direction toadvance the tape a predetermined amount across the supporting surfaceand when moved in a rearward direction to ride freely over the tape,means operative for reciprocating said tape advancing means through onecycle comprising a forward and a rearward direction of movement, meansfor initiating the operation of said last mentioned means, and means forproducing a difference in air pressure on opposite surfaces of the tapefor maintaining the tape in close contiguity with said supportingsurface.

3. In a dispensing apparatus for pressure adhesive tape having anadhesive and a non-adhesive side, means for rotatably supporting asupply of tape, a supporting surface for receiving the nonadhesive sideof the tape, tape advancing means resting on the adhesive side of thetape and adapted when moved in a forward direction to advance the tapeacross the supporting surface and when moved in a rearward direction toride freely over the adhesive side of the tape, means operative forreciprocating said tape advancing means through one cycle comprising aforward and a rearward direction of movement, means for initiating theoperation of said last mentioned means, and means for producing adifference in air pressure on opposite sides of the tape for holding thetape in continuous contact with said supporting surface.

4. In a dispensing apparatus for pressure adhesive tape having anadhesive and a non-adhesive side, means for rotatably supporting asupply of tape, a supporting surface for receiving the nonadhesive sideof the tape, tape advancing means resting on the adhesive side of thetape and adapted when moved in a forward direction to advance the tapeacross the supporting surface and when moved in a rearward direction toride freely over the adhesive side of the tape, means operative forreciprocating said tape advancing means through one cycle comprising aforward and a rearward direction of movement, means for initiating theoperation of said last mentioned means, an air jet for holding the tapein continuous contact with said supporting surface, and additional meansfor holding the tape against retraction over said supporting surfaceduring the movement of said tape advancing means in said rearwarddirection.

5. A tape dispensing device comprising means for holding a supply oftape, a supporting surface for the tape, a detent resting on a forwardsurface of the tape and adapted when moved in one direction to advancethe tape a predetermined amount across the supporting surface and whenmoved in a rearward direction to ride freely over the tape, meansoperative for reciprocating said detent through one cycle comprising aforward and a rearward direction of movement, means for initiating theoperation of said last mentioned means, an air jet for forcing the tapein close contiguity with said supporting surface, and adjustable stopsfor determining the length of travel of said detent and the length ofthe tape dispensed thereby.

6. In a dispensing apparatus for pressure ad hesive tape having anadhesive and a non-adhesive side, mean for rotatably supporting a supplyof tape, a supporting surface for receiving the non-adhesive side of thetape, tape advancing means resting on the adhesive side of the tape andadapted when moved in a forward direction to advance the tape across thesupporting surface and when moved in a rearward direction to ride freelyover the adhesive side of the tape, pneumatic means operative forreciprocating said tape advancing means through one cycle comprising a,forward and a rearward direction of movement, a first electromagneticmeans responsive upon energization for initiating the operation of saidpneumatic means to advance said tape, switching means momentarilyactuated for energizing said first electromagnetic means, a secondelectromagnetic means responsive upon energization for initiating theoperation of said pneumatic means to retract said tape advancing means,and switching means actuated by the terminal travel of said tapeadvancing means for energizing said second electromagnetic means.

7. In a dispensing apparatus for pressure adhesive tape having anadhesive and a non-adhesiveside; means tor'.rotatablysupporting;a;sup.-sply of tape, a supporting surface tortreceivinatha non-adhesive side: ofthe tape; tapeiadvancins means resting on the adhesivesidemtthertape andadapted when moved in a forward direction to advance the tape.acrosssthmsupportingcsurface and when moved in a rearward directionto'lride freely over the adhesive; sidecof then-tape, pneumatic meansoperative forreoiprocatingsaiditape advancing meansthroughonecycle;comprising a forward and: arearward direction:of.movement, a first electromagneticwrneansaresponsive upon energizationfor initiatingetheloperation of said pneumatic means; to advance. saidtape, switchingrmeanslmomentarily actuated for energizing said firstelectromagnetic means, a secondelectromagneticmeans responsive: upon. emergization ,for' initiating-the: operation of said pneumatic means toretractsaid tape advancing means, switching means actuated .by:theterminal travel of said tape advancing, means: for. energizing saidsecond electromagnetic: means; means including means for producing; a"differencein air pressure onopposite-suriaces.of'the tape for holdingthe tapein close contiguitywith said supporting surface, and additionalmeans for holding the" tape in advanced position and asainstazretractionby the reciprocating tape advancing means, electromagnetic meansselfbiased; upon energization for releasing said holding means;switching means operable at the commencement of said tape advancing stepfor energizin'g. said self-biased electromagnetic means and operable atthe completion of said tape advancingr step for: deenergizing saidself-biased electromagnetic means.

THEODORE R. PRICE.

RAYMOND L. BROWN.

Reerences.Cited in the fllerof this patent UNITED STATES .1 PATENTSNumber Name Date 13124577 Allen Jan; 12, 1915 1428518 Rohland Feb 16,1915 1,288,491 Bowen Dec. 24; 1918 1;638',816' Krueger Aug. 9, 19271,902,436 Joachim' Mar. 21, 1933 1,981,229 Giliet Nov. 20, 19342,025,755 L'yle Dec. 31, 1935

